Reviews and General Information: One axle compared to Two axles

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One axle compared to Two axles

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Topic: One axle compared to Two axles

Posted By: David and Danette
Subject: One axle compared to Two axles
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2015 at 10:24am

For those who have owned and have had experienced with trailers with one axle and two axles I was wanting to know what the pros and cons are between the two in towing and maintaining? I have at times considered a two axle camper but have only owned a camper with one axle.

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2018 Vista Cruiser 19BFD (2018-
2012 Vibe 6503 (2014-2019)
2009 r-pod 171 (2009-2014)
Middle Tn
2014 Ram 1500 Quad cab

Replies:

Posted By: CharlieM
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2015 at 12:33pm

OK, David. I'll give a brief synopsis from my research and experience.

Two axle pros:

Better longitudinal stability
Much better outcome if one tire blows
Lots easier to install a spare on the road
Easier to obtain higher GVWR. You should know from your Vibe experience
Somewhat better sway and bounce resistance
Peace of mind while traveling

Two axle cons:

Added weight - several hundred pounds for second axle/tires
Added initial cost to trailer
Double the tire and bearing maintenance costs
Some say backing is more difficult. Maybe if you're maneuvering by hand. I've not observed this.
Some say added tire wear due to sliding motion. Trailer tires usually age out before they wear out
Maybe some MPG decrease due to more friction - 0.00001%.

My true feelings are left as an exercise for the student Wink

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Charlie
Northern Colorado
OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD
PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD

Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2015 at 12:48pm

I've noticed more difficult backing with our Salem, but I chalk that up to the longer distance between tires and hitch and not that it is dual-axle.

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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual

Posted By: Goose
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2015 at 12:04am

A tandem axle trailer will react more slowly while backing than a single axle will. Also the farther back the axles are as in a longer trailer, the slower it will react going in reverse.
For those that travel a lot of miles every year (5,000 or more) tire wear will be more noticeable due to tire scuffing as the trailer turn, one axle will follow as the other leads. Tight turns can also put a lot of strain on the rims. Goose

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Mother Goose's Caboose..2011 RP171..07 Grand Cherokee

Posted By: J&Jcf
Date Posted: 18 Feb 2015 at 7:17pm

Twice the maintenance and expenses. They are needed on heavier trailers for weight distribution. I would not drive to far if one goes because you will have two flat tires. One tire can not handle all the additional weight for very long. I had a 27 ft. Quad tire at a light weight of 5000 lbs.It towed excellent for its size but it was definitely a harder tow. I had weight distribution and sway system which added hitch work and time. Pulled with f150 rated at 10,000 lbs tow rate.

I still use same TV to pull my 171 rpod. No weight distribution & sway system needed. I would definitely use WD & S system with any light & smaller TV. My tow now is less stressful and much easier. Not as much planning for stops or merging in congested traffic. I towed/tow at poster speed limits with both trailers. As for backing up I found the quad easier ,but I have not had as much practice with the pod yet.

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J. - 2011 rpod 171